Zoom H5 Recorder

About this product

The Zoom H5 has a compact, rugged design that delivers high-quality audio recording for wildlife. Designed to include XLR connectivity and phantom power, the clearly laid-out interface means you can quickly make changes without accidental adjustments. The standard XYH-5 microphone capsule minimises low rumble through its use of rubberised shock mounts and can handle up to 140 dB SPL. It additionally has an extra input ⅛” mini phone jack built-in. Recording modes include both Stereo and up to 6 simultaneous tracks (L/R + INPUT 1/2 + L/R backup) in multitrack setting. Stereo recordings in WAV (44.1/48/96 kHz) and MP3 (44.1 kHz) formats with multitrack WAV recording (44.1/48 kHz). To monitor input and recordings, you can connect headphones through the 1/8″ stereo mini jack or listen via the inbuilt 400mw 8 Ω mono speaker.

The Zoom H5 provides up to 10 hours of continuous recording time on a single set of batteries (2x AA LR6)  using the capsule microphone, and over five hours using the XLR inputs. Additional functions include an option to select a pre-recording mode that captures an additional 2 seconds of sound from before the record button is pressed and a backup function that stores a duplicate recording (L/R tracks at 44.1 and 48 kHz WAV files only) with a 12db reduction in input gain.

A key difference with this recorder is the flexibility of its configurations through the additional accessory modules that will cater for many wildlife recording needs. For example, you can switch out the standard microphone capsule (XYH-5) with other modules that cater for different scenarios. Of particular relevance to wildlife enthusiasts are two shotgun modules, one purely for directional recording (SGH-6) and the second with side microphones for the additional ability to mix in ambient or environmental sound as required with the main directional recording (SSH-6). Both of these accessories come with windscreens.

Key Features:

• Includes detachable X/Y capsule (XYH-5) capable of handling 140 dB SPL
• Shock-mounted mics for reduced handling noise
• Compatible with all Zoom input capsules
• Four-track simultaneous recording
• Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB
• Up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
• Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20 dB pad
• Built-in effects, including low-cut filtering, compression, and limiting
• Auto-record, Pre-record, and Backup-record functions mean that you’ll never miss that perfect take
• Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad with Loop Back function
• Powered by two AA batteries or via USB
• About 10 hours of operation with alkaline batteries

Included with the H5:

• Quick Guide
• XYH-5 X/Y mic capsule
• USB cable
• Foam windscreen
• Case

Additional accessories available include:

• APH-5 (RCH-5 wired Remote Controller, AD-17 USB-type AC adapter, Hairy Windscreen)
• SGH-6
• SSH-6